- Set a good example. Read for pleasure and show and share that pleasure.
- Leave interesting books lying around. Encourage your child to handle books frequently, carefully, and respectfully.
- Read aloud eagerly to your child. Show him or her how much you enjoy this reading time. Make it special and do it each night if possible!
- Provide a good reading light for your child’s bed area. Encourage a relaxing nightly reading period. Give your child a special hug as you turn off the light at bedtime.
- Be tuned in to what interests your child. Find books and other reading material in these areas of interest.
- Discuss books and current events as a family.
- Ask your child to read to you. Don’t be anxious or impatient with his or her reading ability. Listen to the child read; do not listen for ding mistakes.
- Encourage your child to share what he or she has read in books. Discuss stories, plots, characters, conflicts, resolutions, and feelings.
- Visit the library together. Be sure your child has a library card and encourage its use. Use yours, too!
- Share a -reading interest. Both of you read books on the same subject and share what you’ve learned.
- Be pleased with your child’s reading progress. Give specific and genuine praise.
- Let your child select books he or she wants to own. You and other family members and friends could give these books as gifts on special occasions or as reading rewards. Encourage your child to purchase books using his or her own money, too! Books a child has selected to own are friends for a long, long time!
Because dads don’t always think like moms™
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